Re: Danny the dog: Open
"Danny," Oberyn repeated calmly, almost gently. He let go of the boy's chin, thumb brushing his cheek only briefly while he considered the human before him. "You should look at me then, Danny. I'd much rather purchase a slave who can look me in the eye instead of one who finds the floor more interesting." It was less rebuke than suggestion, a kind of permission giving that seemed necessary for a young man clearly trained otherwise.
"I'll see his papers if you'll be so kind as to fetch them for me," he said to the handler, eyes not leaving the slave. "If you happen to see my paramour while you're out, do please tell her that her presence is requested here as well."
The handler had been right initially. This one was definitely of particular interest, though Oberyn couldn't quite put his finger on why just yet.
"Your Grace, are you sure? This one has a history of violence. I wouldn't want to be responsi-"
The vampire rose a hand to silence the handler again, attention still fixed on Danny instead of the man who clearly wasn't worth his time. He didn't bother to correct him on the misused title. The attempt at respect was there and it seemed pointless in many ways to get stuck on that point.
"You were given instructions. It's in your best interest to act on them and not further insult my ability to handle myself."
"Yes, sir." The handler disappeared through the door, and Oberyn allowed himself to soften some for the boy in front of him.
"Judging by the shift in his heart rate, he fears you nearly as much as he does me. Tell me, Daniel, if I purchase you today do the others in my household have any reason to fear you lashing out reasonlessly?" The boy didn't seem the type, but there were many surprising things in the world regardless.